Parks and Public Landscaping Advisory Board Agenda and Packet 2017 11 02

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I 1.2 City,] Louisville COLORADO , SINCE 1878 PARKS & PUBLIC LANDSCAPE ADVISORY BOARD COMMUNICATION AGENDA ITEM # 7 SUBJECT: DECLINING COTTONWOOD TREES BY THE RECREATION/SENIOR CENTER DATE: NOVEMBER 2, 2017 PRESENTED BY: JOE STEVENS, PARKS AND RECREATION SUMMARY: Residents have recently voiced concerns about the future of two cottonwood trees, one located a few feet inside a construction fence resulting from the Recreation/Senior Center renovation and expansion. Reconstruction plans for the Recreation/Senior Center calls for the protection of both trees, including root zone protection during construction. While there are no immediate plans to remove either tree during construction the city forester was of the view that since the Recreation/Senior Center is under renovation it might be an appropriate time to address a significant safety issue. The city forester has monitored both trees and over time noted significant decline, removed a number of branches, observed canopy failure, decay and voids within the tree structure. Since the trees are in a high use area with a trail running between the trees, the city forester recommends removal for public safety. The reason this item is being brought before the Parks and Public Landscape Advisory Board is that section B.6 of your Bylaws state that one of your duties is "to hear appeals of decisions of the city forester concerning licensing of arborists and removal of trees as provided in Chapter 8.12 of the Louisville Municipal Code". ALTERNATIVES: 1. Remove both native cottonwood trees as determined by the city forester and section 8.12 of the Louisville Municipal Code 2. Leave the two native cottonwood trees onsite, reroute the trail away from the fall zone and fence the area to discourage activity within the hazard zone The cost to provide a 6' perimeter fence with an 8' wide crusher -fines trail and reroute the trail away from the potential hazard is estimated at $18,030 including required signage. The cost to install with an 8' concrete trail is estimated at $28,595. Some pros for alternative # 1 A. Removes a city safety and liability concern B. Complies with provisions and authority given the city forester as enumerated in section 8.12 of the Louisville Municipal Code C. Removal sooner rather than later is a proactive rather than a reactive action based on the trees continued decline Some cons for alternative # 1 A. Lose a piece of Louisville's history when the trees can be retained for a few more years